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Odds and ends from a late night

There was a lot that got lost in the late night, 9-8, 14-inning win by the Chiefs on Thursday over Kane County that because of deadline did not make the paper. The game got over just in time to get the highlights and a few quotes.

First, the bullpen work by both teams was phenonmenal, maybe moreso by the Chiefs since they had to use five pitchers to get through 111/3 scoreless innings.

Said manager Dann Bilardello: “Our bullpen. Wow, what can you say?”

Using five of their seven relievers will put a bit of a strain on the bullpen tonight, but five of the seven will be available. Only the two newest pitchers — Chris Thomas, who picked up the win, and Thomas Lee — won’t be available tonight. Lee went three innings and Thomas pitched in the first two games of the series.

Still the more innings that Friday starter Tyrell Jenkins can go the better.

“It will be a good challenge for him,” Bilardellos said. “I hope he takes as the challenge that needs to help us out.”

Other odds and ends from the game:

The teams combined for 465 pitches.

Kane County catcher Wilson Conteras was ejected from the game after it was over for arguing that Gerwuins Velazco reached the plate safely. He bumped plate umpire Nick Garvey twice. If there is a suspension, don’t look for it to be announced as the Midwest League leaves it up to the team to announced them.

The Chiefs struck out 20 times, and still lead the league for fewest strikeouts by 15 over the next closest team.

Check out Sunday’s With the Chiefs column for more on the game and the calculus that went into the decision to squeeze the run home.

The Chiefs did make one roster move today with Casey Rasmus going on the disabled list after getting shaken up in a collision at home plate in the second inning. Catcher Adam Ehrlich joins the Chiefs from extended spring training.